Best Sleeping PadsFor BackpackingAnd Camping

You are in good company if you're wondering about the best sleeping pads.

Any hiker planning to sleep even one night away from a warm, comfy bed at home ponders this question:

"How do I find the best sleeping pads and then select the one that's right for me?"

The word "best" is a slippery slope, because the best pad for me might not cut it for you, due to differences in our hiking habits, physical dimensions, tolerance for cold hard ground, and so many other factors.

Luckily, there's help available when you're searching for the best sleeping pads for your needs. Maybe you need a:

backpacking air mattress,

car camping sleep pad, and

mattress for home use (when the relatives show up).

Read the following detailed advice for how to size up and select your perfect sleeping pad, provided by James Menta of 3Beds.com.

Note: No affiliate relationship exists between Hiking For Her and 3Beds. However, both of us are in the "business" of providing quality hiking gear advice to you. And right now, that means an overview of the best sleeping pads.

All of the following advice, opinions and images are credited to James Menta.

How to choose the right sleeping pad for your needs

Mother Nature can be both gentle and cruel.

For a hiker, the difference between the two often comes down to making the right choices with our gear.

One of those choices is that of the best air mattress or sleeping pad for your adventure.

Bite 3: R Value demystified

There's too much fuss about the R-value of a sleeping pad, and it's a common mistake to judge a pad based on its R-value.

IT IS NOT a measure of quality.

It's a measure of insulation. That's what the R stands for: RESISTANCE to changes in temperature.

You can find pads with an R-value of up to 9.5.

IT IS NOT UNIVERSAL, so be careful if you are making decisions based on comparing R-value across brands.

Now, what I just said might raise some eyebrows.

It should be a standard value, right?

Kind of...

Strictly speaking, it is a standard value but there is NO standard when it comes to measuring it.

Let me be direct here - I know for a fact that some companies don't even measure it, but just give estimates.

This is where we'll make it simple. Two rules to steer by:

1.It is my opinion that the cutoff point for R-value is somewhere around 3.

By "cutoff point", I mean the line between a pad used for winter camping, and one for the other three seasons. Simply put, if there's a chance of using the pad in the cold, don't go below 3.

This is especially true for women, who tend to be cold sleepers.

2. Look at R-value per ounce.

Simple - if you are in a dilemma between a few models, go with the one that provides most insulation (highest R-value) per ounce.

You'll be surprised by how a small "jump" in weight can double the R-value.

These are the kinds of connections to look at instead of taking a sleeping pad's R-value as-is.

It's this kind of thinking that will fine-tune your backpacking trip.

Bite 4: Width and length of the best sleeping pads

How long?

A sleeping pad HAS to comfortably fit your shoulders and hips.

For a winter hike, don't go below regular length (usually 72 inches). This will keep your feet comfortable and insulated, which makes all the difference on a chilly night.

On the other hand, modern sleeping pads pack small and light, so the difference in packing size between a short and a regular length pad isn't worth risking your health over (unless you are an extreme, ultra-light hiker aiming to shed every possible ounce).

How wide?

The standard for sleeping pads is 20 inches.

If you're a restless sleeper, you might consider going with a wider version, usually available in 25 and 30 inches.

The best choice for women

The industry generally doesn't pay enough attention to adjusting the gear to the specific needs of women.

When it comes to sleeping pads, a woman will need more insulation at the hips and feet.

There are very few models that specifically list "sleeping pad for women".

If you don't like any of those choices, and you want to shed a bit of extra pack weight, go with a semi-rectangular or a mummy-shaped pad.

Bonus bite: A few tips on sleeping outdoors (optional read)

Make sure you are dry before you hit the sack... and when I say dry I don't mean the obvious not-soaking-wet kind of dry. I am talking about changing your clothes if you feel sweaty. Take it from me, pneumonia is a harsh teacher.

Drink something warm about half an hour before going to sleep (warm, not hot). This will soothe your mind and body without the sweat kicking in again.

No alcohol before sleep. I know it's tempting to spice up your coffee with a bit of rum, but it's not a good idea. The alcohol will warm you up a bit but it will interfere with your body's ability to regulate its core temperature. I know it's a favorite ritual for a lot of you out there, but don't kill the messenger, it's a scientific fact.

No deodorant. If you are using cosmetics, go with the odorless. The smell attracts bugs and mosquitoes.

Sage on fire: Sage is a great mosquito repellent, so if possible, have a branch in your pack and throw it into the camp fire. Works every time.

Waterproof repellent: If you are using a bug repellent and still seeing hordes of annoying gnats, it's most likely because your sweat has watered down the repellent. Check the label and look for the word "waterproof".

Just lay there for a while.After a long day, your blood is still rushing and you might feel OK and warm. Don't fall asleep right away and see if you feel warm in 10 minutes. Chances are, you might need an extra layer.

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